What does "Aszú" translate to in relation to Tokaji wine?

The term "Aszú" translates to "rotten" in the context of Tokaji wine, specifically referring to grapes that have been affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). This condition is crucial for the production of Tokaji Aszú, where the noble rot helps to concentrate the sugars and flavors in the grapes, leading to the creation of rich, sweet dessert wines. The presence of noble rot is a defining characteristic of Tokaji Aszú, contributing to its unique flavor profile and quality.

In contrast to other choices, "sweet" does not accurately describe the definition of "Aszú," but rather refers to the final style of the wine produced from these grapes. "Fresh" does not relate to the Aszú process, as the emphasis here is on the botrytis-infected grapes rather than recently harvested fruit. Lastly, while the term "golden" might evoke the color or richness associated with Tokaji wines, it does not relate to the specific translation of "Aszú." Thus, the correct translation contextualizes the importance of noble rot in the production of these renowned Hungarian wines.